Differences b/w MSt, MPhil, etc?

I am only used to seeing MA, MS, MBA and PhD for the most part in the US. I was looking at Oxford's site and saw graduate options for MLitt, MSt, MPhil, Diplomas and Certificates. Some where even distinguished with a note saying "by coursework" or "by research." What are the differences between these degrees? How are MLitt, MSt, and MPhil diff from the DPhil (PhD)?

Thanks...

Reply 1

Elles

17

they're at oxford.. & we like to think we're special? :tongue:

seriously, they're probably fairly comparable.. the graduate prospectus which should probably be online as well will no doubt explain each exact course structure & who it is appropriate for.

generally MPhil = Masters
D Phil = doctorate (phD)
MBA is the same?
Diplomas & Certificates are probably shorter, perhaps more vocational courses?

there are some oxbridge postgrads on here.. but to be honest, check the official literature is your best bet..

Reply 2

BazTheMoney

MLitt - Master of Letters, the arts equivalent of a MSc by research.
MSt - Master of Studies, kinda like a one-year MPhil program.

Basically, MLitt is a research orientated course, MSt is a taught course.

Reply 3

d750

8

PittGirl06

I am only used to seeing MA, MS, MBA and PhD for the most part in the US. I was looking at Oxford's site and saw graduate options for MLitt, MSt, MPhil, Diplomas and Certificates. Some where even distinguished with a note saying "by coursework" or "by research." What are the differences between these degrees? How are MLitt, MSt, and MPhil diff from the DPhil (PhD)?

Thanks...

Just as a matter of interest, the masters courses have odd titles to distinguish them from the undergraduate degrees. Oxford and Cambridge give out MA degrees to their undergraduates after a certain period of time (6 years from start for Cam, 7 for Oxford) without further study. So they can't call their masters degrees MA.

Just to clarify:

MSt at Oxford = MPhil at Cambridge = MA everywhere else - 1 year

MPhil at Oxford = MPhil everywhere else - 2 years

MSt at Cambridge = part time masters course (so not equivalent to MSt at Ox)

MLitt = same amount of time as PhD, but without the need for it to be a "significant contribution to knowledge".

Hope that helps.

Reply 4

PittGirl06

OP

thanks. I was just not used to seeing those distinctions.

Reply 5

PDJM

4

Actually an MLitt(Oxon), MLitt(Cantab) being two year research degrees (or alternatively awarded to those who fail to fully reach the PhD/DPhil requirements) are confusingly the equivalent of MPhils at most other Universities. An Oxford MPhil is somewhat different being a combination of both taught and research elements- being a more extended version of a traditional masters degree than a two year research course per se. Also confusingly both the MSt(Oxon), MPhil(Cantab) can be either one year taught courses orr alternatively one year research courses (or a stepping stone to a doctorate) depending on your Faculty.

Differences b/w MSt, MPhil, etc?

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